Table umbrella apparatus

ABSTRACT

A table apparatus has a base, a table affixed to the base, a fan positioned in the base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of the base, a motor drivingly connected to the fan, and air plenum formed adjacent to the table, and a plurality of airflow lines extending through the table or along and underside of the table. Each of the plurality of lines has an outlet adjacent a periphery of the table. The outlet of the airflow line is formed at an outer edge surface of the table. A plurality of louvers are adjustably positioned at the outlet so as to direct a flow of air from the outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not applicable.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to table umbrellas. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to table umbrella apparatus that includessystems that for passing a flow of air outwardly of the table for thepurpose of heating or cooling persons seated at the table.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

In many areas of the world, large umbrellas are used in conjunction withtables for the purpose of providing shade to those dining or drinking atthe table. These table umbrellas usually include several legs thatsupport the table a desired distance above the earth and in proximity tothe chair surrounding the table. A large pole extends from the legsupwardly above the table so as to support an umbrella thereabove. Incertain circumstances, the umbrella can be fixed or foldable. Theumbrella effectively provides shade to those dining at the table so asto enhance the comfort of such persons at the table.

It is often the common problem in warm areas that the umbrella does notprovide a sufficient cooling effect to those persons at the table.Although shade is important in enhancing one's comfort while diningand/or drinking, elevated ambient temperatures can also create adiscomfort. Additionally, if there is no breeze, insects can oftenprovide discomfort to persons at the table. Many existing table umbrellaapparatus ineffectively provide a full range of services andenvironmental effects to those at the table.

Various items have been employed in the past with outdoor patioactivities. In particular, electric fans have been used as a source ofair for those sitting outside. Electric fans commonly use an electricmotor with fan blades attached to the shaft of the rotor of the motorsuch that the electric motor is positioned central to the fan blades.Unfortunately, when the electric fan is used outside, it does notprovide a great deal of protection from the sun nor a full range ofcomfort to those sitting at tables.

In the past, various patents have issued relating to fan assemblies andenvironmental control apparatus associated with table umbrellas. Forexample, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0096203, published on Jul. 25,2002 to Cohen et al., describes a fan assembly for a table umbrella. Amotor assembly is connected to the pole that supports the tableumbrella. A rather complicated arrangement of drive rings allows theumbrella to rotate relative to the table by the action of the motor.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0121296, published on Sep. 5, 2002 toR. B. Copple, describes an integrated electric fan and patio umbrella.The device uses an electric fan mounted as integral part of a patioumbrella. The umbrella fabric is open at the top so as to expose the fanto direct air from above. The umbrella can be raised and lowered aroundthe fan blades without the need to hinge the blades up or down.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0168091, published on Sep. 11, 2003also to Cohen et al., describes another type of fan assembly for a tableumbrella. The fans are located on the underside of the table umbrella.The fans are driven by a shaft which extends through the table umbrella.As a result, the fans provide an airflow downwardly onto patrons sittingat the table below the umbrella.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0149325, published on Aug. 5, 2004 toG. G. Kuelbs, shows another type of table umbrella apparatus having anintegral lighting system so as to provide relatively bright outdoorlight for reading and other activities. The umbrella apparatus alsoincludes a cooling system that utilizes electric fans and mistingsystems. A motorized retraction system is also used so as to retract oropen the umbrella.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0221882, published on Nov. 11, 2004 toWatson et al., describes an insect repellant structure for use inassociation with a table umbrella. The system is utilized so as tocirculate air, along with an insect repellant, in an area below theumbrella and above the table.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0105898, published on May 19, 2005 toBachinski et al., shows an infrared heating systems for patio umbrella.The heating system includes a shroud defining an inner volume and aplurality of electrical infrared heating elements positioned generallydownward facing in the inner volume of the shroud.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,727,366, issued on Dec. 20, 1955 to O. A. Hagen,describes sprinkler system attachment for a lawn umbrella. Thesprinklers are rotatably mounted at a top of the umbrella so as todeliver a flow of water outwardly therefrom. The water will drain ontothe top surface of the umbrella so as to flow downwardly beyond theouter periphery of the umbrella. The downward flow of such water willcreate a cooling effect for those persons sitting at the table below thecanopy of the table umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,820, issued on Aug. 17, 1965 to R. R. Garrett, showsa table umbrella apparatus with a solar energy collector affixed to atop surface thereof. The solar energy collector has a generally convexshape with respect to the table so as to provide for the collection ofsolar energy therein and also to provide shade and comfort to thepersons sitting at the table therebelow.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,811, issued on Apr. 16, 1991 to M. H. Hopkins, showsan electric fan for a patio umbrella. A rotatable fan is mounted on theinterior of table umbrella above the table. A gear or belt drive systemcouples to the fan from a motor supported on the pole of the tableumbrella. As a result, the fan blades can rotate so as to deliver a flowof air downwardly to those persons sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,639, issued on Jun. 25, 1991 to T. D. Thomas, showsa patio table cooler in which a central thermally-insulated container islocated below the table. The container is cooled by an ice/chemicalcoolant or refrigeration coils. An electric fan, associated with thecooling element, is positioned below the table and on the base of thetable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,238, issued on May 4, 1993 to Rivera et al., showsan air flow lounge umbrella apparatus which includes a fan system thatis located in the base of the table umbrella. The fan system deliversair through the pole associated with the umbrella. Airflow will passthrough apertures formed on the pole so as to deliver air outwardly ofthe pole and to those person sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,152, issued on Feb. 9, 1999 to R. C. Brown,describes a rotating patio umbrella fan. A motor is located in the baseso as to drive a shaft extending through the pole of the table umbrella.The canopy of the umbrella is connected to shaft so as to be rotatablyconnected to the motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,233, issued on Oct. 12, 1999 to Clark et al.,provides a patio umbrella with a radiant heater. The heater is affixedto the pole of the table umbrella generally below the umbrella. As aresult, the canopy will reflect heat from the heating element downwardlyto those sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,793, issued on Nov. 9, 1999 to R. J. Louis, providesa self-contained misting device. A container has a support for watertherein. An ice chamber is associated with the container so as to allowmelted ice to be mixed with the water in the container. A pump deliversthe cooled water upwardly and outwardly therefrom to a misting nozzle.The misting nozzle will then deliver a mist in a downward orientation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,188, issued on Jan. 25, 2000 to C. Benton, describesa patio table and fan combination. A fan is mounted to the pole directlybelow the canopy of the umbrella. A plurality of lights are mounted onthe pole so as to deliver lighting toward the table. The fan motor ismounted co-axially with the fan and in close proximity to the undersideof the patio umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,084, issued on Dec. 4, 2001 to R. B. Cohen, providesanother type of combined umbrella and fan device. Once again, the fan ismounted directly below the underside of the canopy of the umbrella. Amotor is affixed to the pole and drivingly connected to the fan blades.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,450, issued on Jan. 8, 2002 to J. Collet, provides aterrace heating device. This device has a reflector for reflectingrising heat from a heat downwardly toward person therebelow. Thereflector is in the shape of an umbrella-like cover that isarticulatable between an open position and a closed position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,647, issued on Nov. 25, 2003 to M. Waters, describesanother type of heating apparatus having a slidable shroud. A fuelsource is provided in a base of the heating apparatus so as to deliverfuel to a burner assembly positioned generally below a reflector. Thereflector is in the form of a shroud which serves to direct heatdownwardly therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,000, issued on Jan. 27, 2004 to P. C. Apple,provides a misting umbrella. The misting umbrella includes a pump thatis connected to a supply of water. A tube extends from the pump upwardlyalong a pole associated an umbrella. Conduits extend from the tubeoutwardly toward the periphery of the umbrella so as to deliver amisting spray downwardly to an area under the fabric cover of theumbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,875, issued on Jun. 21, 2005 to Eastman et al.,provides an outdoor heater which has a movable table attachment thereto.A fuel supply is located on the underside of the table. A radiant heateris provided generally below a small canopy so as to direct heatdownwardly toward the table.

The present inventor has three patents relating to the presentinvention. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,582, issued on Jun. 16,1998 to the present inventor, describes a table umbrella apparatusincluding a tubular support member, a hub rotatably mounted at an end ofthe tubular support member, a fan extending radially outwardly of thehub so as to be in the form of a table umbrella, and a motor connectedto the hub for rotating the fan about a longitudinal axis of the tubularsupport member. A shaft is connected to the motor and is connected tothe hub. The shaft extends longitudinally along an interior of thetubular support member. The shaft is supported by bearings interior ofthe tubular support member. A base is connected to the bottom of thetubular support member so as to support the tubular support member in avertical orientation. A table is supported around the tubular supportmember in a horizontal plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,866, issued on Oct. 9, 2001 to the present inventor,also describes a table umbrella apparatus that has a base, an umbrellawith an inner surface extending therealong, a tubular support affixed toand extending from the base and supporting a umbrella a desired distanceabove the base, and a fan connected to the tubular support. The fan hasa fan blade mounted so as to rotate about a vertical axis. The fandirects airflow at least upwardly through the umbrella. A motor isconnected to the fan so as to rotate the fan blade in a desireddirection. A baffle is affixed to the umbrella so as to direct air fromthe fan along the inner surface of the umbrella. The umbrella has atleast one adjustable slat extending outwardly from the inner surface soas to direct airflow from the fan to a desired location below theumbrella. A table is positioned around the tubular support and over thebase.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,015, issued on May 26, 2009 to the present inventor,teaches a table umbrella apparatus that has a base, a table affixed tothe base, a canopy supported by the base a distance above the table, andan air treating means positioned in the base for delivering a flow ofair outwardly of the base. The air treating system includes a fan, amotor drivingly connected to the fan, a reservoir positioned in thebase, and a pump cooperative with the water in the reservoir for passinga flow of water across air urged by the fan. An aspen wood intake filteris positioned in the base so that the air is urged by the fan acrossthis intake filter.

In the previous patents to the present inventor, it was noted that therewas a problem associated with the delivery of air from the air plenumtoward the person sitting at the table. In certain circumstances, theair would have to travel a great distance before actually cooling aperson at the table. In hot weather conditions, the cool air wouldactually warm before reaching the person. As such, the maximumeffectiveness of such cooling or heating system was diminished. As such,need developed so as to position the outlets as close as possible to theoccupant of the table.

Additionally, in these prior patents, there was often an awkward andinconvenient arrangement of the table. Various appliances werepositioned onto the table or onto the umbrella. Under certaincircumstances, the umbrella could not be properly utilized because ofthese added appliances. In other circumstances, it was difficult tostore or to transport the table umbrella apparatus because of thearrangement of components. In particular, it was difficult to stacktables one upon the other. In other circumstances, the appliancesrequired for the delivery of cooling or heating air added unnecessarycost to the table. As such, a need developed so as to allow for thedelivery of air in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus whichprovides a breeze to those sitting at the table.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus inwhich the flow of air can be directed, as desired, by the person sittingat the table.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus inwhich a cooling flow of air can be delivered outwardly of the table in alocation adjacent to the person sitting at the table.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus that can be easily moved and assembled with minimal troubleand difficulty.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus that can be easily transported.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus which is easy to assemble, easy-to-use, relativelyinexpensive, and easy to manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from a reading of the attached specification andappended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus that comprises a base, a tableaffixed to the base, a fan positioned in the base so as to deliver aflow of air outwardly of the base, a motor drivingly connected to thefan, an air plenum formed adjacent to the table, and a plurality ofairflow lines extending through the table or along an underside of thetable. Each of the plurality of airflow lines has an outlet adjacent aperiphery of the table.

In the present invention, the outlet of the airflow line is formed at anouter edge surface of the table. A plurality of louvers are adjustablypositioned at the outlet so as to direct a flow of air from the outlet.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the table can havea circular configuration with the plurality of airflow lines radiatingfrom the air plenum toward the periphery of the table.

Each of the plurality of airflow lines comprises a channel formed oraffixed to a bottom surface of the table. The channel has one endopening to the air plenum and an opposite end opening at the outlet. Theopposite end of the channel widens in width toward the outlet.

In the present invention, the apparatus can be used in association witha table umbrella. As such, the apparatus will further comprise a canopysupported by the base a distance above the table. The base includes ahousing having an interior volume. The table is affixed to a top of thehousing. The motor and the fan are positioned in the housing. Areservoir is positioned in the housing. The reservoir is suitable forreceiving a supply of water therein. A pump is cooperative with supplyof water in the reservoir. The pump passes a flow of the water acrossthe air delivered by the fan. The canopy can include a foldable umbrellawith a pole extending from the foldable umbrella to the table. The polehas an opposite end detachably received by the base. A control panel canbe affixed to the top surface of the table and extending upwardlytherefrom. The control panel is cooperative with the motor so as tocontrol a flow of air through the airflow lines.

This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, thepreferred embodiments of the present invention. It is understood thatmodifications to these preferred embodiments can be made within thescope of the present invention. As such, this Section should not to beconstrued, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the presentinvention. The present invention should only be limited by the followingclaims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art table umbrella apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prior art table umbrellaapparatus with the umbrella in a folded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away interior view of the base of the prior art tableumbrella apparatus.

FIG. 4 is another cut-away view of the base associated with the priorart table umbrella apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away frontal perspective view of the apparatusof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the table as used in theapparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the underside of the table of theapparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed side view showing the arrangement of louvers withinthe outlet of the airflow lines associated with the apparatus of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the prior art table umbrellaapparatus 10 related to the present invention. The table umbrellaapparatus 10 includes a base 12, a table 14 affixed to the base 12, acanopy 16 that is connected by a pole 18 to the table 14 and the base12, and an air treating means 20 that is positioned within the base 12.The air treating means 20 is suitable for delivering a flow of airoutwardly of the base 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the base 12 has a generally cubicalconfiguration. Vents 22 are formed on at least one wall 24 of the base12. A door 26 is located on another wall of the base 12. The base 12 haslegs 28 extending radially outwardly therefrom in a generally horizontalplane. Wheels 30 are rotatably mounted to a bottom of the base 12generally adjacent to the legs 28. The wheels 30 can be eitheradjustable upwardly so as to rise above the bottom level of the legs 24but can be removably connected to the base 12. The table 14 has agenerally circular configuration and is mounted to a top surface of thehousing 32 of the base 12. The table 14 includes an airflow outletstructure 34 mounted to a top surface 36. There airflow outlet surface34 includes vents 38 formed on sides of the truncated pyramidalstructure of the airflow outlet 34. Vents 38 include suitable louversthereon so as to allow a person sitting at the table 14 to adjust a flowof air in a desired direction. A control pad 40 a can also be mounted onone of the surfaces of the structure 34 so as to allow persons at thetable 10 the control the flow of air, control lighting associated withthe apparatus 10, or to place orders therefrom.

The canopy 16 is in the nature of a foldable umbrella 40. The foldableumbrella is supported by struts 42 extending upwardly from pole 18. Theumbrella 40 can be folded in a conventional manner in the nature of aconventional table umbrella apparatus. A misting ring 41 is affixed tothe pole 18 in a position below the umbrella 40.

FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which the canopy 16 has umbrella 40extending in a generally folded configuration. The pole 18 extendsupwardly from the top 44 of the structure 34.

FIG. 3 shows an interior view of the base 12. As can be seen in FIG. 3,the table 14 is affixed to a top surface of the housing 32 of base 12.The pole 18 is illustrated as being removably received within aninterior of the structure 34. The pole 18 can also be permanentlysecured generally centrally of the structure 34.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the legs 28 include arms 46 which areconnected by locking pins to leg flanges 48. Leg flanges 48 extendoutwardly from the bottom of the base 12. The locking pins associatedwith the leg flanges 48 can be removed so as to allow the leg members 46to be removed or can be adapted so as to allow for a pivoting of the legmembers 46 with respect to the leg flanges 48.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that there is an air plenum 50 that is formedgenerally centrally of the base 12. Air plenum 50 will extend from theinterior of the base 12 upwardly through the table 14 to the interior ofthe structure 34. Vents 38 communicate with air plenum 50 so as to allowair to flow outwardly through the air plenum 50 and through the louversassociated with vents 38.

A motor 52 is mounted in the base 12 generally centrally in the base andwithin air plenum 50. Motor 52 is drivingly connected to fan 54. The fan54 is a squirrel cage fan that is also mounted generally centrally ofthe base 12. Fan 54, along with motor 52, is arranged so as to draw airinwardly of the base 12 through the vents 22 located on wall 24 of thebase 12. A reservoir 56 is received on the interior of the base 12. Thereservoir 56 is suitable for receiving a supply of water therein. Anaspen wood intake filter 58 is positioned on the interior of the vents22 so as to allow air passing through inwardly of the base 12, throughthe vents 22, to pass through the aspen wood intake filter 58. A pump 60is mounted in the base 12 so as to pass water from the reservoir 56upwardly and into the top of the aspen wood intake filter 58 so as toallow the water to pass, by osmosis, through the porous wood associatedwith the aspen wood intake filter 58. As used herein, the preferredembodiment is an aspen wood intake filter. However, various other typesof porous, absorbent and distributive intake surfaces can be utilized inplace of the aspen wood intake filter 58. It is important that theintake filter 58 be suitably porous and absorbent so as to allow air topass therethrough while retaining downwardly flowing water therein.Slowly, the water will drop through the structure of the intake filter58 so as to be collected at a bottom of the reservoir 56. The pump 60can then redeliver and recirculate the water back to the top of theinterior of the intake filter 58.

In normal use, the motor 52 will rotate the fan 54 so as to draw airthrough the intake vents 22 and across the intake filter 58. This actioncauses the air to be cooled by the evaporative action. The air thenpasses from the fan 54 upwardly into the air plenum 50 and outwardlythrough vents 38 located at the top of table 14 and the vents 62 locatedbelow the table 14. As a result, the present invention effectivelyallows for the delivery of cooled air to those persons sitting at thetable 14.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, an evaporative/swamp cooler apparatus is used.The swamp cooler includes a reservoir that holds the water forcirculation over saturation intake vents/filters (the aspen woodfilters). Air is cooled as it is drawn in by way of strategicallymounted squirrel cage fan. As the air passes over the water-saturatedfilters, moisture or humidity is added to the air so as to cool the airtemperature by as much as twenty percent in dry climates. Swamp coolingis preferred method of cooling because it provides some comfort asopposed to the use of more expensive air conditioning equipment. Thishumidified air is distributed by way of the squirrel cage fan so as todirect the air straight upwardly into the plenum. The plenum pressurizesthe air for distribution to the louvered vents so as to allow forcontrol and distribution for under the table and at head height (by wayof the control consol). The vents provide total direction control, aswell as shut off, so as to allow each individual the ability to controltheir own personalized climate. The intake air filters are made to beeasily removed or replaced for maintenance In order to remove the intakefilters for maintenance, it is only necessary to open the external cowldoor and simply slide out the filters and replace with new filters. Theaspen wood filters allow for easy saturation and distribution of thehumidified air. The exterior door allows easy access to the swamp coolerby way of a key latch assembly that keeps unwanted entry from occurring.The swamp cooler provides another air-tight sealed entry door so as toallow water to be filled, ice to be added (for more effective cooling)and for maintenance of the recirculation pump. The recirculation pumpcontinually circulates and recirculates reservoir water over the woodfilters by way of drip nozzles that are strategically positioned overthe top of the filters. The drip nozzles provide continuous watersaturation to the filters by way of the reservoir recirculation pump.This recirculation pump can be a common fountain pump.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that there is an auxiliary reservoir 64 formedon the interior of the base 12. Another pump 66 is connected by pipe 68to the auxiliary reservoir 64. Pump 66 serves to deliver the water fromthe reservoir 56 upwardly to misting nozzle located on the structure 34.As a result, when desired by occupants of the table umbrella apparatus10, proper misting functions can be achieved. The tube 72 can also, oralternatively, extend along the pole 18 so that the mist can bedelivered from a location just below umbrella.

FIG. 4 also shows the interior of the base 12. In FIG. 4, it can be seenthat the reservoir 56 has a generally cubical shape that is supported bystructural elements 74 located above the bottom of the base 12. Pump 60is mounted at the bottom of the reservoir 56 so as to deliver waterupwardly through conduit 76 to the top of the aspen wood intake filters58. It can be seen that the aspen wood intake filters 58 are located onopposite sides of the base 12. Suitable vents, such as vents 22 asillustrated in FIG. 1, can also be formed on the opposite wall of thebase 12.

In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the pump 66 is connected to the auxiliaryreservoir 64 so as to deliver a mist through tube 72 to a nozzle locatedupwardly above the table 14. FIG. 4 also shows the control panel 40 a aslocated in a desired position so that a person sitting at the table 14can control a flow of air and/or mist from the apparatus 10 of thepresent invention. Louvers 78 are mounted on the vents 38 so as to allowthe user to direct the flow of air delivered thereto. It can also beseen that there are louvers 80 associated with the vents 62 locatedbelow the table 14.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention. The apparatus 100 can be used with or without the tableumbrella. The apparatus 100 includes abase 102 with a table 104 affixedto an upper end of the base 102. A fan 106 is positioned in the base 102so as to deliver a flow of air. A motor 108 is drivingly connected tothe fan. An air plenum 110 is formed adjacent to the table 104. Thetable 104 will have a plurality of airflow lines extending through thetable 104 or along an underside of the table 104. Each of the pluralityof airflow lines has an outlet 112 adjacent a periphery of the table104. The outlets 112 are positioned in spaced relationship to each otherat the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104.

In FIG. 5, the base 102, the fan 106 and the motor 108 will have aconfiguration similar to that described in association with FIGS. 1-4herein. Similarly, the air plenum 104 will be located above the fan 106and the motor 108. The fan 106 will draw air through vents formed in thesides of the base 102 so as to deliver air across the evaporativecooling elements. As such, the air delivered into the air plenum 110will be cooler than the ambient temperature. This air can then bedelivered through the plurality of airflow channels toward the outlets112 located at the periphery of the table 104. As a result of thisconfiguration, the air is actually delivered in a location adjacent to aperson sitting at the table. As such, the cooling effect of the air ismaximized. Additionally, the present invention avoids any structuresthat could interfere with the smooth flat surface of the top side of thetable 104. The air delivery channels are integrated into the structureof the table 104.

A control panel console 116 is affixed to the top surface of the table104. The control panel console 116 can include a screen 118 along with acontrol knob 120. The adjustment of the control knob 120 allows a personsitting at the table to adjust the amount of air that is delivered tothe person sitting at the table. If a person at one part of the tabledesires to receive less cooling air, then that person can suitablyadjust the knob facing the person on the control panel console 116. Assuch, the amount of cooling air delivered to individuals seated at thetable 114 can be controlled by those persons sitting in the locationsadjacent to the outlets 112. The screen 118 can be in the nature of atelevision screen or any other type of display. The upper end of thecontrol panel console 116 can include a receptacle 122 whereby a tableumbrella, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4 herein, can be affixed so asto extend above the top surface of the table 104.

As can be seen FIG. 5, is an electrical box 105 positioned in the base102 and below the table 104. The control panel console 116 can besupplied with power from the electrical box 105. The control panelconsole 116 can be removably affixed to the table 104 through the use ofthe quick release nuts. The quick release can extend through the table104 from the control panel console 116 through the plenum 110 to theelectrical box 105. FIG. 5 also shows that at least one table supportbracket 117 can extend outwardly from the base 102 so as to furthersupport the underside of the table 104. The underside of the table 104can also incorporate bottom output vents so as to supply air from theplenum 110. As such, cooling air can be supplied to the lower torso andlegs of a person sitting at the table 104.

FIG. 6 illustrates, with particularity, the nature of the table 104without the console 116. It can be seen that the table 104 has agenerally circular configuration. The outlets 112 are arranged so as toopen at the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104. Suitable louvers124 are provided on each of the outlets 122. These louvers areillustrated, in greater detail, in association with FIG. 8 herein. Thelouvers 124 allow the user of the apparatus 100 to particularly controlthe desired direction of airflow from the outlet 112. The control 116could be attached to top surface of the table 104.

The table 104 further includes an aperture 126 located centrally of thetable. Aperture 126 allows the table 104 to be easily secured to thebase 102. The aperture 126 further facilitates the ability to installthe control panel 116 onto the top surface of the table 104.

FIG. 6 further illustrates that pop-up vents 125 and 127 can be appliedto the top surface of the table 104. Each of the vents 125 and 127 canmove between a first position coplanar with the top surface of the table104 and the second position extending angularly upwardly from the topsurface of the table 104. In the second position, the pop-up vents 125and 127 can deliver cooling air from the air plenum 110 toward personssitting at the periphery of the table. Since there is no control panelconsole on the top surface of the table 104, the operations of thecooling equipment can be controlled by remote control.

FIG. 7 illustrates the underside of the table 104. In particular, FIG. 7illustrates that the airflow lines 130 radiate outwardly from the center132 of the table 104. Each of the airflow lines 130 includes an inlet134 that will be in communication with the air plenum. When the table104 is installed upon the base 112, the inlets 134 of the channels 130will be in fluid communication with the air plenum. As such, the airflowinto the air plenum can be directed through the channels 130 toward theoutlets 112 located on the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104.

In FIG. 7, the channel 130 has a relatively narrow width extending fromthe inlet 134 toward the outlet 112. The width of the channel 130expands so as to widen at the outlet 112. The widening at the outlet 112creates a venturi effect with respect to the airflow through the channel130. It will also serve to disperse the air in a wide directionoutwardly of the outlet 112. As such, a maximum diffusion of the airflowis achieved in this configuration.

The outer edge surface 114 has a slotted configuration. This slottedconfiguration provides a decorative effect to the table 104 and alsoavoids the accumulation of hot air on the underside of the table 114. Ifthe slotted configuration at the outer edge surface 114 was notachieved, then the table 114 could actually heat air that was entrappedwithin the underside of the table 114. This can be counterproductive tothe desire to cool persons sitting around the periphery of the table104.

FIG. 8 illustrates the outlet 112 of the table 104 of the presentinvention. In particular, can be seen that there are a plurality oflouvers 140 that are adjustably positioned within the outlet 112. Assuch, the user is able to move the louvers 114 in any desired directionso as to control the flow of air through the outlet 112 and to directthe flow of air from the outlet 112. For example, if a person woulddesire to have the air directed toward the person's face, then thelouvers 140 could be moved so as to direct airflow upwardly. Under othercircumstances, if a person would desire to have less airflow, then thelouvers could be moved so as to be in a generally closed configuration.The louvers 140 can take on a variety of other directions depending onthe desires of the user.

The present invention provides a simplified structure for the deliveryof airflow from or through a table. Since the air delivery channels arelocated on the underside of the table, they are invisible to the personssitting at the table. Since the outlet of the airflow channels islocated at the periphery of the table, the air is delivered in thelocation where it is needed most. Since the distance of air travel isminimized, there is little warming or cooling of the air before itcontacts the person at the side of the table. Since the airflow channelsare positioned on the underside of the table and within the area of theouter edge surface, the tables can be easily stacked, one upon another,for the purposes of storage. The airflow channels include louvers sothat the user can manually control the delivery of air. Additionally, acontrol panel can be provided so as to provide the electronic control ofairflow.

Within the concept of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5,the table umbrella can also be incorporated into the system of thepresent invention. Such table umbrella constructions were shown in FIGS.1-4 hereinbefore. As such, the table umbrella can be inserted into thereceptacle 122 on the control panel 116. If it is not desired to use anumbrella, then only the table can be provided for use.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details ofthe illustrated construction can be made within the scope of theappended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention.The present invention should only be limited by the following claims andtheir legal equivalents.

1. An apparatus comprising: a base; a table affixed to said base, saidtable having a top surface with an outer edge surface extendingdownwardly from said top surface at a periphery of said table; a fanpositioned in said base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of saidbase; a motor drivingly connected to said fan; an air plenum formedadjacent to said table; and a plurality of airflow lines extendingthrough said table or along an underside of said table, each of saidplurality of airflow lines having an outlet on said outer edge surfaceat said periphery of said tablet, each of said plurality of airflowlines comprising: a channel formed or affixed to a bottom surface ofsaid table, said channel having one end opening to said air plenum andan opposite end opening at said outlet, said opposite end of saidchannel widening in width toward said outlet.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of louverspositioned at said outlet so as to direct a flow of air from saidoutlet.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, said table having a circularconfiguration, said plurality of airflow lines radiating from said airplenum toward the periphery of said table.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)7. (canceled)
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a canopysupported by said base a distance above said table.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, said base comprising a housing having an interior volume, saidtable affixed to a top surface of said housing, said motor and said fanpositioned in said housing.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, furthercomprising: a reservoir positioned in said housing, said reservoirsuitable for receiving a supply of water therein; and a pump cooperativewith the supply of water in said reservoir, said pump passing a flow ofthe water across the air delivered by said fan.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: at least one pop-up vent positioned on saidtop surface of said table, the pop-up vent movable between a firstposition coplanar with said top surface and a second position extendingangularly upwardly from said top surface of said table.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a control panel consoleremovably affixed to said top surface of said table and extendingupwardly therefrom, said control panel cooperative with said motor so asto control a flow of air through said plurality of airflow lines.
 13. Anapparatus comprising: a base; a table affixed to said base, said tablehaving a top surface with an outer edge surface extending downwardlyfrom said top surface at the periphery of said table; a fan positionedin said base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of said base; amotor drivingly connected to said fan; a plurality of airflow lines eachhaving an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being in fluid communicationwith said fan, said outlet positioned on said outer edge surface of saidtable, each of said plurality of airflow lines comprising: a channelformed at or affixed to a bottom surface of said table, said channelhaving one end in communication with said fan and an opposite endopening at said outlet, said opposite end of said channel widening inwidth toward said outlet; and a louver positioned at said outlet of theairflow lines so as to direct the flow of air from said outlet. 14.(canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. Theapparatus of claim 13, said table have any circular configuration, saidplurality of airflow lines radiating from a center of said table towardthe periphery of said table.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a base; atable affixed to said base; a fan positioned in said base so as todeliver a flow of air outwardly of said base; a motor drivinglyconnected to said fan; and an air plenum formed adjacent to and in fluidcommunication with said fan; and a plurality of channels formed at oraffixed to a bottom surface of said table, said plurality of channelshaving an inlet opening to said air plenum and an outlet opening at anouter edge surface extending downwardly from a top surface of saidtable, said opposite end of said channel widening in width toward saidoutlet.
 20. (canceled)